AsianScientist (Jun. 28, 2013) – Dr. Juliana Chan, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Asian Scientist Magazine, was yesterday conferred the nation’s highest accolade for youth, the Singapore Youth Award.
Dr. Chan will be receiving her award from Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on July 7 at a ceremony in the Istana.
Established in 1975, the SYA honors exceptional young people who are an inspiration to other youths and bring distinction to the country. The SYA committee cited Dr. Chan’s scientific achievements and contributions to the Asian scientific community by raising the profile of scientists in Asia as reasons for her award.
Dr. Chan received a Ph.D. in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is now a researcher at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore. In addition, Dr. Chan holds adjunct academic positions at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Her research has been highlighted in international media and she jointly holds three international patents, one of which is licensed to a biotechnology company in the USA.
“I started Asian Scientist Magazine because there was a vacuum in the news about science from Asia. There are many excellent scientists in Asia who need to be highlighted; it is truly the Asian century,” says Dr. Chan. “Success is only possible with sacrifice and perseverance. Every hurdle I experienced has motivated me to work harder. I still fail everyday, but I refuse to let that define me.”
At the announcement of this year’s awardees, the SYA Chairman Mr. Edward D’Silva described the spirit of the award by quoting U.S. President Barack Obama:
“Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. It’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.”
Other awardees this year include Ms. Laurentia Tan, Paralympic equestrienne medalist; Ms. Koh Hui Ling, theater and drama educator; Mr. Muhammad Riduan Bin Zalani, musician; Ms. Jean Ng, national netball athlete; and Mr Martin Tan Beng Chong, co-founder of the Halogen Foundation.
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Copyright: Asian Scientist Magazine.
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